The 'Drab Majesty' tuning is a distinctive and atmospheric setup, famously used by Drab Majesty on tracks like "Kissing the Ground" and "Everything is Sentimental." This unique tuning deviates significantly from standard, offering a soundscape rich in deep resonance and intriguing harmonic tensions.

Technically, the open strings are D2 A2 D3 B3 C4 D4. This creates a strong D tonal center, with the 6th, 4th, and 1st strings all tuned to various D octaves. The lower three strings (D-A-D) form an open D power chord (D5), providing a robust foundation. However, the upper strings introduce fascinating intervallic relationships: the 3rd string is raised from G to B, and the 2nd string from B to C. This B-C interval (a minor second) on adjacent strings generates a characteristic tension or dissonance, often exploited for haunting or ethereal textures.

Verbally, this tuning is excellent for creating expansive, resonant soundscapes, particularly suited for genres like darkwave, dream pop, or ambient rock. The ease of accessing D-based power chords on the lower strings, combined with the unique high-string voicings, allows for both powerful rhythmic chugging and delicate, shimmering arpeggios. Chords like open D minor or D major shapes might feel natural on the lower strings, while the higher string configuration encourages experimental voicings and drone-like qualities. It's crucial to note that the original context for this tuning also involves a capo on the 1st fret, which would shift the effective open notes up a semitone, resulting in D#2 A#2 D#3 C4 C#4 D#4 (or Eb Ab Eb B Cb Eb depending on enharmonic spelling), further altering its harmonic potential.

How to Tune to Drab Majesty

To achieve the Drab Majesty tuning, you will adjust your strings from standard EADGBe as follows. Please exercise caution, especially with the 3rd string, as it involves a significant pitch increase.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a substantial change. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this position to prevent breakage and reduce tension on your guitar neck.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.